Talan Skeels-Piggins - Proves setbacks should be accepted and embraced

In March 2003, Talan Skeels-Piggins, an active PE teacher, former Royal Navy fighter controller and experienced skier, shattered his spine and fractured his neck in a motorcycle accident. He was left paralysed from the chest-down.

Despite being told that he’d spend up to two years in hospital, Talan was discharged after just six and a half months. Within a year, he was back on the slopes in a specially adapted sit-ski. Talan now represents his country as a member of the British Disabled Ski Team and is training extensively to secure a place on the team for the 2010 Winter Paralympics.

Setting up a consultancy

Wanting to find a way of combining work with his skiing career, Talan set up motivational consultancy Solutions 4 Accessibility in September 2006. He explains: “Training and racing takes up five months of each year and much of this time I’m out of the country. I needed to work during the off-season but it had to be something flexible – becoming an independent consultant seemed a perfect fit.”

Talan’s motivational talks draw on his life experiences and take audiences on an emotional and inspirational journey. He’s delivered talks to a wide range of groups, from primary school students to the armed forces, in the UK and the USA. “My proudest achievement was presenting a keynote speech to the Federation of Small Businesses,” says Talan.

Embracing setbacks

Talan plans to continue developing his motivational speaking business, so he can reach out and make a difference to more people’s lives. One of the key lessons that he’s learnt over the years is the importance of accepting setbacks and moving on. “I’ve realised that we all need to be brave enough to fail. Your journey will begin with a choice – only you can make it, but once made it will take you to places you never thought possible.

“Believe in who you are, what you have to offer and take strength in the support from friends and family. Accept set-backs and understand that life is there to be lived – don’t just watch it pass you by because you were too afraid to try.”

http://web.me.com/tskeelspiggins